Cincinnati is an incredibly photogenic place, with our stunning skyline, historic bridges and beautifully landscaped parks. On top of that, there’s also plenty of restaurants, bars and attractions that offer super Instagrammable shots that can make you the envy of your followers.
To highlight the many picturesque spaces in the Queen City, Yelp recently released its collection of the 11 most photo-worthy spots in Cincinnati. From bars with panoramic views and restaurants with editorial-quality plates to popular landmarks, these are the places where you’ll want to snap a few photos.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
With nearly 30 habitats and over 200 species, the opportunities to snap some beautiful photos of wildlife at the Cincinnati Zoo are endless. You could capture Fiona the hippo floating in her pool, elephants using their trunks to sample something tasty or the lions napping in the sun. During the spring, tulips blossom all over the zoo, turning it into a floral rainbow paradise, and in the winter, it’s lit up by millions of colorful holiday lights and animal lanterns, presenting an Instagram-worthy shot around every corner. 3400 Vine St., Avondale.
Krohn Conservatory
Speaking of floral paradises, Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park offers visitors the chance to marvel at gorgeous flower and plant displays throughout the year, but the annual Butterfly Show and holiday displays are some of the best chances for that viral photo. During the spring and summer, butterflies and plants based on a new theme each year fill the conservatory. For the holidays, the conservatory rolls out the botanical model of Cincinnati, complete with classic trains and iconic landmarks, plus plenty of poinsettias and other plants based on that year’s theme (this year, it’s ferns). You’ll also want to snap a photo of the waterfall. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills.
Cincinnati Music Hall
Designed by famous architect Samuel Hannaford, Music Hall has been one of Cincinnati’s most iconic landmarks and an awe-inspiring photo subject since 1878. The building was constructed in a Victorian Gothic style and features cathedral-like towers, pointed arches and gables, and a giant rose window at its top center. While it’s impressive from the outside and can be admired from Washington Park across the street, be sure to book tickets to a ballet, opera or symphony show — or one of their tours — to appreciate the opulent interior as well. 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Somerset
Cocktail bar Somerset doesn’t just offer a menu of delicious drinks; the entire experience is designed to wow your senses, including your sight. Somerset features three distinct spaces that are all Instagram-worthy, including the moody, dark academic-style lounge, complete with bookcases and a fireplace; the open and airy, plant-filled greenhouse bar and the garden patio that will make you feel like you’ve been whisked far away. Snap a photo of your lavender-colored ube margarita with any of these backgrounds and you’re guaranteed to have the best picture of the night. 139 E McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine.
Second Story
One of Somerset’s sister bars, Second Story, continues the ethereal, otherworldly aesthetic in Covington. The bar is decked out in green and brown tones, with the bar the focal point of the space, thanks to the enormous tree that’s seemingly growing from the floor. Outside, there’s a rooftop patio with even more greenery and lanterns, plus a view of the Renaissance-style Mother of God (or Mutter Gottes) Church across the street. 100 W. Sixth St., Covington.
The Marmalade Lily
This quaint flower farm looks like something rolled out of a fairytale with its fields of blooms and cozy barn and greenhouse. While it typically hosts weddings and other events, the public can experience the farm and its magical grounds at its special U-Pick events. 9850 Schlottman Road, Loveland.
Ault Park
Equal parts stately and whimsical, Ault Park is the perfect setting for a photo shoot. Spread out over nearly 230 acres, the park features several gardens you can stroll through, including a rose garden and butterfly garden. In the spring, there’s also a grove of cherry blossom trees that bloom in a beautiful display of pink fronds. And the terraced Italian Renaissance-style Ault Park Pavilion is a stunning landmark that looks like it came directly from an English country estate. 5090 Observatory Circle, Mt. Lookout.
Hyde Park’s Mushroom House
Architect Terry Brown was a University of Cincinnati professor of architecture and interior design, but to most in our region, he’s known as the guy behind Hyde Park’s famed “Mushroom House.” Guests at the street level will notice a winding entry staircase and a misshapen exterior constructed of metal, glass, ceramic and warped wood shingles, suggesting a fairy tale or bizarre, otherworldly appearance that looks like a very large mushroom. If you’re going to snap a picture of this incredible home, keep in mind that it is a private residence and should be viewed from the sidewalk only. 3331 Erie Ave., Hyde Park.
Vista at Lytle Park
This bar on the rooftop of the Lytle Park Hotel offers sweeping views of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. Enjoy a cocktail while you take in the scenery, or cozy up in front of one of the bar’s fireplaces with the Queen City as your backdrop to snap a fun selfie or two. 311 Pike St., Downtown.
Pensive Distilling
Located in a historic building that was a speakeasy during Prohibition days, Pensive Distilling keeps the spirit of the era alive through its tours (you’ll also need a secret password to get into the speakeasy on the top floor). In the distillery’s kitchen and bar space, the food and drinks offer the perfect chance to practice your food photography: glasses of amber liquid against exposed brick, artfully arranged charcuterie boards and perfectly crafted burgers with ingredients stacked in a precarious tower. 720 Monmouth St., Newport.
Nada
Modern Mexican restaurant Nada is all about bold flavors and colors. Sit on the plant-surrounded patio to experience the buzz of downtown Cincinnati’s entertainment district, or experience the restaurant’s Southwestern-esque dining room, with its decoratively tiled floors, warm lighting and splashes of turquoise. The food and drinks are also photo-worthy: a shot of your tacos alongside a margarita will surely make you the envy of your followers for at least a few scrolls. 600 Walnut St., Downtown.